Children aged from 3 to 6 usually attend kindergartens near their neighborhoods, where they learn the basics of the native language. And since most of the teachers are female, they are told to play games of all kinds, learn to dance, to sing and to act. Besides, the inculcation of values and virtues such as "Truth, Kindness and Beauty" into the children is one of the top priorities on the teaching agenda among kindergartens and child care centers throughout the country.

Previously the primary school education requires 5 years and now has been lengthened to six years. During the period, pupils are required to take a variety of subjects such as the Chinese language, fundamental mathematics and moral education. They are also taught to take part in sports and extra-curriculum activities. In recent years, foreign languages such as English become an optional course in the later part of this six-year period.

This part of education is divided into two parts: three-year junior high school program and senior. From junior high school, students begin to learn a variety of science subjects such as chemistry, physics and biology. Besides, they are taught the Chinese history and that of foreign countries. Geography is also a required course. Educators of all levels attach great importance to the teaching of English---the official second language---in most of the high schools. At the same time, physical education is enthusiastically encouraged.

Senior high school education is a continuation of that in junior high schools. But it is more than that. Students begin to take greater interest in some specific subject and they are encouraged to do so. In order to create more competition among them, a variety of contests are organized annually in all levels. The "Olympic Series" are the most noticeable ones. Despite this, the most important thing for them is the preparation for the national college entrance examination. Usually, two sets of examinations are designed out of the consideration that students are labeled as science students or arts students.

The main task of higher education in China is to train specialists for all the sectors of the country's development. Universities, colleges and institutes, which make up China's higher educational system, offer four- or five-year undergraduate programs as well as special two-or three year programs. Students who have completed a first degree may apply to enter graduate schools.

Admission
China's institutions of higher learning operate on a centralized enrolment system in which admissions committees at the provincial level operate under the aegis of the Ministry of Education. As a rule, admission is granted on the basis of academic, physical and moral qualifications, though allowances are made for minority nationality and overseas Chinese candidates.

The nationwide examinations are given during the first ten days of July. The tests themselves, issued by the Ministry of Education, fall into two categories: the humanities, and the sciences and engineering. While candidates may sit for only one of the two, they may list the institutions and departments they wish to enter in order of preference. Enrolment is then determined in the light of examination results. Nonetheless, an brief investigation into their social behavior and moral character is conducted before students are admitted to institutions of higher learning. In a number of fields, specific physical requirements must be met.